On 2009

Okay, I have an idea. It’s not a revolutionary idea. It’s just a thought on this blustery January 1st morning. You know that plaque that everyone has in their house these days — the one that says “Live, Laugh, Love”? Let’s add another L for 2009. The most important L of all — when combined with the other three. I’m not saying that living, laughing, and loving aren’t important. They certainly are. But by themselves, they sounds a bit shallow, don’t they? How about — learning?  Yes, learning. Learning something about ourselves — seeing our flaws, digesting constructive criticism and acting accordingly. Learning about our friends and family members.  Learning about our world.  Which makes me wonder — if next year, I could somehow arrange it that the service companies who gives us food and clothing and other items to show their appreciation for using their businesses — could just give us cash? Then we in turn could dig a well in an African village or something like that.  Our oldest daughter gave us the gift of a donation of “living water” this year. It feels so good to know she is on that path.   Oh, that brings me to another L.   Listening.  A wise person once said, “You never learn anything by listening to yourself talk.”  And no one loves to talk more than I do, but lately I have been trying to be a better listener. To ask more questions, and actually listen to the answers. I think it’s called active listening — when you’re not just waiting for the other person to take a breath so you can start right in. Anyway, just some thoughts on the new year.  I hope it’s as good for you as 2008 was for me and my family. Happy New Year, and God bless you all with love, laughter, life, and — a few other L’s.   

This entry was posted on January 1, 2009 at 11:07 am and is filed under On Life. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site.